New BIG4 Chief Executive Goes Undercover

Incoming BIG4 Holiday Parks Chief Executive Ray Schleibs became a 'mystery customer' during the first few days in his new job.

Under the guise of a man named 'Jim' interested in investing in a holiday park, Ray greeted guests, cleaned bathrooms and mowed lawns - gaining a uniquely objective perspective of his organisation, which would be difficult to achieve for someone coming from inside the company.

Schleibs was taking part in the Channel 10 TV program, Undercover Boss, becoming the first Chief Executive in the world to take part in the program on his very first day in a new job.

Having spent 24 years in various roles across the global tourism and travel industry, the former principal of Sydney based consultancy firm, i imagine says the unique experience was both very personally rewarding and a great way to get immediate and valuable insight into his new work environment.

As Schleibs explains "the marketing team at BIG4 were in talks with the production company during the recruitment period and once appointed, I was offered the opportunity to take part as the new Chief Executive of the company. It was a great chance for me, from day one, to get a real insight into the numerous jobs that park owners and staff do on a daily basis, as well as wonderful variety of people and Parks that make up the BIG4 family.

"I really appreciated this opportunity to get to know BIG4 on a very personal level. Naturally, it was also particularly satisfying to be able to help some of our hard working staff to realise their dreams through providing donations.

"From a business perspective, I now have some great ideas as to how to make this already successful group even better and I am really looking forward to getting behind the desk and putting them into practice."

A well-known and respected member of the tourism industry Schleibs' previous experience includes:

• Managing Director for South Pacific and Africa for US based global travel company, Grand Circle Corporation; 
• Managing Director of high-end specialist travel wholesaler, Australian Tourism Promotions;
• Regional General Manager and corporate change agent for AAT Kings Tours after its purchase by the global travel group, The Travel Corporation;
• European and Russian Training Manager for Contiki Holidays;
• Project Manager for Barcelona Olympics and World Expo Seville for Contiki Holidays; and
• Operations Manager and Safari Guide for East and Southern Africa for Tracks Expeditions.

BIG4 Holiday Parks is a franchise group comprising more than 180 holiday parks across Australia providing a range of high-quality accommodation options from powered ensuite sites for caravan and motorhomes to luxury cabins.

BIG4 Holiday Parks and Ray Schleibs will feature in the highly anticipated first home-grown series of Undercover Boss, which will begin transmitting weekly on Network TEN from Monday, 18th October at 8.30pm.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/BIG4HolidayParks